Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for transmitting signals with a high data rate. In some implementations, an apparatus includes a first digital signal processor outputting first data at a first data rate. A second digital signal processor outputting second data at a second data rate. A filter circuitry receiving and up-sampling the first and second data. Additionally, the apparatus includes a combiner circuit that receives the first up-sampled data and the second up-sampled data, the combiner circuit combining the first and second up-sampled data to provide a multiplexed output, the multiplexed output having a third data rate that is greater than the first data rate or the second data rate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for transmitting signals with a high data rate. In some implementations, an apparatus includes a first digital signal processor outputting first data at a first data rate. A second digital signal processor outputting second data at a second data rate. A filter circuitry receiving and up-sampling the first and second data. Additionally, the apparatus includes a combiner circuit that receives the first up-sampled data and the second up-sampled data, the combiner circuit combining the first and second up-sampled data to provide a multiplexed output, the multiplexed output having a third data rate that is greater than the first data rate or the second data rate.

Abstract: Associated with an optical transport system, a packet oriented supervisory network provides differentiated classes of service (CoS) for a plurality of WDM layer applications on diverse nodes such that as soon as a higher priority application or packet arrives, the lower priority application is affected in favor of the higher one. One or more optical control channels (OSC) are used as the physical medium for implementing the packet oriented supervisory network of the invention. This new functionality of the optical control channel (OSC) enables multiple services by allowing each application to use up to 100% of the OSC bandwidth, if no other application is using it.

Abstract: A network diagnostic system is provided for an optical transport network having a plurality of network elements. The network diagnostic system includes at least one network element having a network diagnostic operation integrated therein and operable to perform the network diagnostic operation, thereby determining a network performance characteristic associated with the optical transport network; a wayside communication subsystem interconnecting the network elements residing in the optical transport network; and a network diagnostic device in data communication with the at least one network element and operable to initiate the network diagnostic operation at the network element.

Abstract: An integrated OTDR/OSC mechanism for monitoring an optical transport system without disrupting the normal service. The invention combines two essential network components in an integrated mechanism. These components are the mandatory OSC function as part of any DWDM network, and the in-skin, in-service attributes of the OTDR engine. One pair of control wavelengtbs is sufficient to perform both OSC and OTDR functionalities. In this way, distributed control function, OTDR procedures, and fiber monitoring is achieved, while trace acquisition from anywhere in the network becomes possible. By bringing these two essential network components together, the invention allows for superior network management and reduction in maintenance costs. This is primarily due to the fact that the invention allows to use and control the OTDR engine remotely, while the combination with the OSC function allows rapid implementation of the OTDR procedures on operating channels within each fiber of a cable.

Abstract: A network diagnostic system is provided for an optical transport network having a plurality of network elements. The network diagnostic system includes at least one network element having a network diagnostic operation integrated therein and operable to perform the network diagnostic operation, thereby determining a network performance characteristic associated with the optical transport network; a wayside communication subsystem interconnecting the network elements residing in the optical transport network; and a network diagnostic device in data communication with the at least one network element and operable to initiate the network diagnostic operation at the network element.

Abstract: A network element is provided for an optical transport network. The network element includes: an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) module integrated therein and operable to determine signal power data for an optical signal received therein; a plurality of monitor taps disposed at different locations within the network element, each monitor tap operable to divert a portion of the optical data signal traversing the optical transport network to the OSA module; and an optical switch interposed between the OSA module and each of the plurality of monitor taps, the optical switch receiving optical signals from each of the plurality of monitor taps and selectively operable to input one of the optical signals into the OSA module.

Abstract: An integrated OTDR/OSC mechanism for monitoring an optical transport system without disrupting the normal service. The invention combines two essential network components in an integrated mechanism. These components are the mandatory OSC function as part of any DWDM network, and the in-skin, in-service attributes of the OTDR engine. One pair of control wavelengths is sufficient to perform both OSC and OTDR functionalities. In this way, a distributed control function, OTDR procedures, and fiber monitoring is achieved, while trace acquisition from anywhere in the network becomes possible.

Abstract: An architectural arrangement is provided for launching an optical system signal into an optical transport network, where the optical system signal is constituted in a layered membership relationship that defines at least two optical layers. The architectural arrangement includes a multiplexing component connected to an optical transport line residing in the optical transport network and a plurality of signal impairment compensation mechanisms associated with the multiplexing component. The multiplexing component is operable to receive a plurality of optical data signals therein, combine the plurality of optical data signals to form the optical system signal and launch the optical system signal into the optical transport line. The signal impairment compensation mechanisms are operable across each of the optical layers of the optical system signal to perform a signal impairment compensation operation on optical signal therein.

Abstract: Associated with an optical transport system, a packet oriented supervisory network provides differentiated classes of service (CoS) for a plurality of WDM layer applications on diverse nodes such that as soon as a higher priority application or packet arrives, the lower priority application is affected in favor of the higher one. One or more optical control channels (OSC) are used as the physical medium for implementing the packet oriented supervisory network of the invention. This new functionality of the optical control channel (OSC) enables multiple services by allowing each application to use up to 100% of the OSC bandwidth, if no other application is using it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embedding control information in an optical signal transporting optical data, consisting of encoding the control information as a control signal having an amplitude proportional to a controllable modulation depth. The optical signal is then optically modulated in accordance with the amplitude of the control signal. The control signal is subsequently detected and the control information is decoded. A major feature of the invention lies in determining a level of similarity between the encoded and decoded control information and varying the modulation depth according to this level of similarity. Hence, the modulation depth yielding a given bit-error rate (BER) or signal-to-noise ration (SNR) can be minimized, in order to reduce the degradation of the optical channel data. The invention also provides a means for modulating the control information about a carrier frequency, and varying this carrier frequency if the SNR is below a certain tolerance value.

Abstract: In WDM systems, each wavelength travels over a different optical paths, thus having different reflections within the path. This method for detecting reflections in bidirectional multichannel communication systems uses a unique signature attached to each signal. This allows to isolate reflections within each optical path, by measuring the optical power of a signal and of the reflection, by measuring the power of the signal and the power of the reflection. The location of the reflection is determined by calculating the relative delay between the signal and the respective reflection.